The Indiana State sentinel., 1887-02-16
All the Nations Of Europe Making Preparations
for the Coming Conflict.
Germany to Take the Initiative by Sweeping
Down On France Through Belgium.
General Beularger, the Man Of Destiny, Ready
to Defend the French Republic.
Russia to Attack Austria-The Political Stu.
alton in EDgIand-rhe Irish VIII
Resist CoerciOn-FIashes.

LONDON, Feb. 13.-There seems to be no
chance of escaping war. No business opera
tions are proceeding anywhere on a theory
that peace will be preserved through the
spring. No man in official life, in a position
to know even the outlines OF the existing
situation, will candidly say he believes that
peace will be maintained. Indeed, the
better a mans source of information the
more pessimistic you are sure TO find him.
A German General of division, who came to
England last week to arrange for his family
to remove from Prussia here in month,
SAYS no German officer doubts the reality Of
the intention to have war. In his division
for fortnight back the bugle call has oc-
CURED at O'Clock in the morning. Every
thing is in mOmentaTy readiness to start,
either for parade or campaign. Throughout
the whole army the same nervous state of
preparation reigns. At Metz young friend
of his, an officer of Hussars, tells him they
are all held in absolute suspense, waiting for
the hourly expected order to move. Theories
differ as TO the time when the fight will
really come.
THE TINE DRAWS NEAR.
The prevailing notion in German circles is
that it will be about the 18th of April, since
the reserves will be out on the ID, and ten
days will be needed after that to arrange the
details. This is given merely as an expression
Of opinion. Where everything depends on
the swiftness and secrecy of the blow to be
struck 1t would. OF course, be folly to pre-
dict the time and pretext for it.
Another thing seems clearer now than a
fortnight ago, which is that Germany will
swoop down on France through Belgium. 1t
is said that there is perfect treaty under
standing to this point between Berlin and
Brussels, and England's consent to the thing
foreshadowed week ago. The Belgians are
working now in truly phenomenal manner
at Notifications and armaments, but it is
fhof aI fo,-
protection against the French feet than the
German host. In fact, the whole tone of
Belgian talk and thought is in favor of
Germany; besides which, Leopold is grand
son of Louis Philippe and the most enthusi-
astic 0rlesnist in Europe. ANY study of the
situation leaving out OF view this dynastic
movement would be false and misleading.
BULGARIA TO BE MADE THE PRETExT.
A startling element of the situation is that
whereas in 1870 the other powers formed
ring and watched the progress of the duel,
this time they must all take part. Just now
there is a tendency to revert to the original
ground of complications for the spark which
shall set Europe in flames. A fortnight ago
the notion was very strong that Bismarck
was going to begin the thing Off his own bat.
This may still be the right cue, but opinion
is setting again toward Russia as the aggres-
sor and Bulgaria as the scene of the overture
to dance in peaceful England, let alone
far.oH America. 1t is hard TO realize
just how delicate and danger
Gus the situation is in the
East. The whole Balkan territory is one
vast trembling expanse of bog, in which
fssure is liable at any moment to open.
Every pashalic in Macedonia and Albania,
every village in ROumelia contains all the
elements needed for a conhagration. We
get so many stories Of preparations there, of
turbulent intentions and incendiary plans,
that the marvel grows that the peace has
been kept thus long. Russian agents are
busy everywhere, not only those of high
class, like the lady arrested in Sofa who
wanted to bribe the Minister of War, bat
travelling emlssaries-Greek monks. photog-
raphers, drovers and that sort Of folk who
distribute kopecks where she gave napo-
Icons, and scatter pamphlets and portraits OF
the Gar.